Shuttle Atlantis heads home on a modified 747
Shuttle Atlantis atop a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Atlantis heading home on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Ferry flights were needed whenever an orbiter landed at Edwards in California rather than Kennedy in Florida — a glider cannot fly itself home. Carrying it cost enormous drag, so the trip needed several refuelling stops.
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More in Photo Album
Photo Album
Photographs of every major Boeing 747 variant and special-mission jumbo — airline service, freight, Air Force One, the Dreamlifter and SOFIA.
Boeing 747-8 Photos
The Boeing 747-8 in pictures — wing assembly, final construction, paint hangar roll-out, first flight and airline service.
747-400 Cargo
Japan Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F JA401J photographed on the ramp, showing the freighter's raised flight deck and nose door.
747-400D (Japan Airlines)
A Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400D, the high-density domestic variant built without the winglets fitted to other 747-400s.
747-8 Berths
Optional crew rest berths offered on the 747-8, tucked into the upper area of the cabin for long-haul operations.
747-8-Intercontinental forward fuselage
The first forward fuselage section of the 747-8 Intercontinental, delivered to Everett for final assembly.